FF Deputy Leader Éamon Ó Cuív pays tribute to John Cunningham

8th February 2012

It was with deep regret that I heard of the death of John Cunningham, long time editor of the Connacht Tribune. John was one of the best and fairest journalists I have ever met. He was a man of absolute integrity and honesty, and was very conscious of the importance of ethics in journalism.

During his long editorship, the Connacht Tribune maintained the highest standards of interesting journalism without sensationalism. The very success of the paper showed that this what the public want, and that there is no need to deviate from high standards to court extra sales. John’s ‘Deputy’ column was compulsive reading for anybody with an interest in Galway politics. His knowledge of local politics from the inside and his understanding of the life of public representatives ensured that what he wrote was always fair, deep and incisive.

As a friend, John was engaging, witty and good company. Over the years we talked many times on the phone and met on many occasions. I always felt refreshed after our discussions which often ranged over a wide range of subjects. Only a few weeks ago, he rang me about a piece he was writing and was looking for some insight into the background of the story.

I know many people will miss him, as I will, but great as our loss is, the loss to Nuala his wife and his sons Shane, Gary, Ivor and Enda is inestimably greater.

Hey Micheal Martin, whats this rubbish about you defending 180 Garda statements that didn't hold up in Court.. What strokes you trying to pulling in saving this broken institutions face.
A) Disband it, its too steeped in civil war politics.
B) Establish a new force with a separate investigative wing.
C) As the Police are a seperate institution to politics then make the new Commissioner an electable position to ensure public confidence instead of 'political' confidence (other countries do it)